# weakened

/ˈwikənd/ (US) · /wˈiːkənd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/weakened
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. less strong or powerful

adjective · CEFR B2

having less strength, power, or energy than before.

For teachers: characterised by a reduction in physical strength, political power, or functional capacity.

- The long illness left him in a weakened state for several weeks.
- The prime minister emerged from the scandal in a significantly weakened position, struggling to maintain the loyalty of her own cabinet.

### 2. physically fragile

adjective · CEFR B2

describes a structure or material that is no longer solid or safe.

For teachers: referring to a loss of structural or material integrity, often due to external stress or decay.

- The weakened walls of the old house were dangerous after the storm.
- Engineers discovered that the bridge's support beams had been weakened by decades of exposure to saltwater and heavy traffic.

## Examples

- The long illness weakened his body.
- Heavy rains over the weekend weakened the foundations of the old bridge, making it unsafe for heavy trucks.
- The scandal significantly weakened the prime minister's authority, making it nearly impossible for the government to pass the controversial new legislation through parliament.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.